'Five wins': Target is simple for Healy as Shamrock Rovers aim to clinch another title

Shamrock Rovers' Matt Healy. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

Five wins out of five is the target set by Matt Healy for his Shamrock Rovers side to clinch their sixth title in seven years.

A two-week international break is snapped by the Hoops hosting Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night (8pm), after which the three title contenders will have four games apiece remaining.

Rovers then visit one of their two rivals, Bohemians, at Dalymount on Monday night as the finish line of October 30 comes into sharp focus.

St Patrick’s Athletic are the third team on level points at the summit, making this the most interesting race since Damien Duff’s Shelbourne prevented Rovers from an unprecedented five-in-a-row on the final day of the 2024 season.

Drogheda, too, have plenty at stake, having been dragged into the relegation battle.

They currently occupy the relegation playoff slot, only separated from Waterford by a goal difference of three.

“We know that if we win our five remaining games, the title is ours,” said Corkman Healy, who joined Rovers from Belgian Challenger Pro League club, Royal Francs Borains, for the start of last season.

“We’re champions for a reason, which we’ve proven over the last few years.

“Five wins is our aim but it’s all about facing Drogheda in the first of those.

“We must be patient in our attacking and be ready at the back too because Drogheda like to counterattack. Win that and we’re another step closer to winning the league.” 

Rovers ended their winless rut by coming from behind to overcome in-form Waterford on the last game before the break.

“These types of situations are why you play the game,” Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says about the run-in. “We’ve been here before and know what we’ve to do. Everyone is playing for something which is really good at this point of the season.”